Building framework



L. G. sERNl-:BLAD 3,203,150

BUILDING FRAMEWORK 4 Sheets-Sheet 1 4 Aug. 31, 1965 Filed Feb. 27, 1961 M m m 1 mf wv/ M w@ M /M Allg- 31, l965 L. G. sERNEBLAD 3,203,150

BUILDING FRAMEWORK Filed Feb. 27. 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTox Arme/VH Aug. 31, 1965 G. SERNEBLAD 3,203,150

BUILDING FRAMEWORK Filed Feb. 27, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 BWM Aug. 31, 1965 L. G. SERNEBLAD 3,203,150

BUILDING FRAMEWORK Filed Feb. 27, 1961 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 ,l I /4 Il /44 |--/a 4' a INVEN TOR.

United States Patent C) 3,203,150 BUILDING FRAMEWORK Lars Gunnar Serneblad, Goteborg, Sweden, assigner, by

mesne assignments, to Aktiebolaget Electrolux, Stockholm, Sweden, a corporation of Sweden Filed Feb. 27, 1961, Ser. No. 91,682 17 Claims. (Cl. 52-664) My invention relates to ya self-sustaining building framework formed of a plurality of elongated members disposed in the same plane and connected to one another.

In building frameworks of Ithis kind it usually has been the practice to position the flat ends of aligned members or beams against one another and position against the Sides of the aligned members, at the vicinity of their abutting flat ends, the flat ends of other members or beams transverse to the aligned members. When elongated members positioned in this manner are detachably connected together, the load on the framework often is not evenly distributed. This is objection-able because additional structure, such as bracing wires, for example, must be employed to reinforce the framework. Further, when elongated members or beams positioned in this manner are connected together by fastening structure which will insure a rigid framework, it is often difficult to detach the elongated members or beams from one -another The object of my invention is to provide an improved two-dimensional building framework of this type in which the elongated members are positioned against one another and connected together in such manner that there will always be the proper distribution of load between the members. Further, it is another object to provide `such an improved building framework in which the abutting ends of the elongated members can be detachably connected together without impairing the ability of each member to carry its proper share of the load, thus Inaking it possible for the framework to be readily fabricated and taken apart. I accomplish this by providing elongated members having ends formed with a pair of end surfaces at an angle to one another, one end surface of each elongated member bearing against an end surface of another elongated member transverse thereto. In this way the end surfaces of a plurality of elongated members abutting one another define an opening in the framework which receives an element, such as a threaded bolt, for example, for fastening the ends of the elongated members together. The fastening connections may include a pair of apertured plates which over-lie the tops and bot.- toms of the ends of the elongated members and through which the fastening element extends.

The above `and other objects and advantages of the invention will become apparent as the following description proceeds, and the features of novelty which characterize my invention will be pointed out with particularity in the claims annexed to and forming a part of this specification.

For a better understanding of my invention, reference may be had to the following description taken in connection with the accompanying drawing in which:

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a building framework illustrating a preferred embodiment of the invention with the fastening connections omitted to illustrate parts more clearly;

FIG. 2 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the framework shown in FIG. 1;

3,203,150 Patented Aug. 31, 1965 ice FIG. 3 is an enlarged fragmentary perspective view of the framework shown in FIG. 1 and the fastening connection therefor, some of the framework parts being omitted and the fastening connection being shown in exploded perspective View to illustrate details;

FIG. 4 is a vertical Sectional View of the framework illustrated in FIG. 3 with the fastening connection therefor;

FIG, 5 is a top plan view of one of the elongated members of the framework shown in FIG. 1;

FIG. 6 is an enlarged side elevational view, partly broken away, of the elongated member shown in FIG. 5;

FIG. 7 is a sectional View taken at line 7-7 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary top plan view of an elongated member or beam like that shown in FIG. 5 illustrating a modification of the invention;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary side elevational View of the elongated member shown in FIG. 8; and

FIG. 10 is a sectional view taken at line Iii-10 of FIG. 9.

Referring to FIG. 1 of the drawing, I have shown my invention in connection with a framework 10 which may be employed as a framework for a iioor of a building. The framework 10 comprises elongated members or beams 11 perpendicular to one another. Each beam comprises a pair of U-shaped parts I2 having their closed ends 12a spaced from one another and forming the upright web of the beam, vas shown in FIG. 7. The spaced arms 12b of the U-shaped parts 12 form top and bottom flanges at opposite sides of the upright web.

In accordance with my invention, the beams 11 are provided with straps on end sections 14 which are generally of U-shape having a pair of end surfaces 14a which are at an angle to one another, one end surface 14a of each beam 11 bearing against an end surface 14a of another beam 11 transverse thereto. The end sections 14 include closed ends 14h and spaced parallel arms 14C to which are perpendicular to the closed ends 14h. The end surfaces 14a connect the closed ends Mb and spaced arms 14C and are at an angle of 45 to these parts of the end sections 14. As best shown in FIG. 5, the spaced arms 14C of the end sections bear 4against the closed ends 12a of the U-shaped parts I2 and are united thereto in any suitable manner, as by welding, for example. `In the preferred embodiment being described and illustrated, it will be seen that the closed ends 14h, angled end surfaces 14a and portions of the spaced arms 14e of the end sections 14 project -beyond the extreme ends of the U-shaped parts 12. In order to reinforce the ends of the beam 11, horizontal plates 15 extend across the gap 16 between the closed ends 12a of the U-shaped parts 12. The plates 15 are provided at the top and bottom of the upright web formed by the spaced parts 12a and are united, as by Welding, for example, to the top and bottom parts -of the spaced arms 14C of the end sections 14.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 4, the closed ends 14h of the end sections 14 `of abutting beams 11 define a vertically extending opening 17 which receives a threaded bolt 18 for detachably fastening the beams together. Each bolt 18 cooperates with a pair of plates 19 at the top and bottom sides, respectively, of the framework 19, the plates being formed with central apertures or openings 20 through which the threaded bolt 18 extends. The plates I9 are of rectangular shape and their outer surfaces are flush with the top and bottom sides of the beams 11, as best seen in FIG.'4. The bottom plate 19 is formed with a recess 19a at its lower surface in which the head 3 18a of the bolt 18 nests. Similarly, the top plate 19 is formed with a recess 19a at its upper surface which receives a tightening nut 21 for the threaded bolt 18.

The plates 19 oVerlie the top and bottom sides of the end sections 14 of the beams 11. When each nut 21 is tightened on the bolt 18 with which it is associated, the plates 19 are firmly held in position at the ends of the beams 11 and are anchored against the top and bottom edges of the beam end sections 14, the bolt being perpendicular to the plane of the framework. The bottom edges 14a', 14b' and 14e of the parts 14a, 14b and 14C, respectively, of one of the beam end sections 14 are shown in the fragmentary perspective view of FIG. 3. It will be seen that the bottom edges 1411 and 14a' of parts 14h and 14a and the bottom edges 14C of the portions of parts 14C projecting beyond the ends of U-shaped parts 12 are at a level above the bottom flanges 12b of the U-shaped parts 12. Similarly, the top edges of parts 14b and 14a and the top edges of the portions of parts 14C projecting beyond the ends of U-shaped parts 12 are at a level below the top flanges 12b of the U-shaped parts 12.

The lower surface of top plate 19 and upper surface of bottom plate 19 are formed with grooves and shoulders to receive and hold the top and bottom edges of parts 141? and 14a and the top and bottom edges of the portions of parts 14C projecting beyond the ends of the U-shaped parts 12. As seen in FIGS. 3 and 4, the inner surfaces of the top and bottom plates 19 are formed with grooves 22a, respectively, of rectangular form, each side of the top and bottom grooves 22a respectively receiving the top and bottom edges of the closed end 14b of one of the end sections 14 of the beams 11. The inner surfaces of the top and bottom plates 19 are also formed with grooves 22b which extend diagonally outward from the corners of the rectangular-shaped grooves 22a and receive the top and bottom edges of abutting end surfaces 14a of the beam end sections 14. Accordingly, each of the grooves 22b is twice the width of the grooves 22a in order to receive and hold the top and bottom edges of two end surfaces 14a of beam end sections 14 of beams 11 perpendicular to one another. Further, the inner surfaces of the top and bottom plates 19 are formed with vertical wall surfaces or shoulders 22e which merge with wall surfaces defining the diagonal grooves 22!) and against which bear the top and bottom edges of the portions of parts 14C projecting beyond the ends of the U-shaped parts 12.

In view of the foregoing, it will now be understood that I have provided an improved building framework which can be quickly and easily fabricated. For example, the beams 11 can be placed on parallel planks spaced from one another a distance approximately the same as the length of the beams. The fastening plates 19 and locking bolts 18 associated therewith may be distributed on the planks at the intersections of the beams. The bottom edges of the beam end sections 14 at each intersection can then be inserted into the grooves 22a and 22h of the bottom plate 19 with the-threaded bolt 18 projecting upward therethrough. The top plate 19 can then be positioned on the beam end sections 14 at each intersection with the grooves 22a `and 2211 receiving the top edges of the beam end sections 14 after which the nuts 21 can be tightened on the bolts 18.

Although I do not wish to be limited thereto, the U- shaped parts 12 and beam end sections 14 may be stamped from sheet metal. When the beams 11 are formed in this manner, the upright web portions 12a of the beams may be provided with openings 23 to reduce the weight of the framework. rl`he openings 23 can serve as passages through which electrical cables and pipes can be drawn `and ultimately positioned. The recesses 19a in the top and bottom plates 19 are of such size and shape that suitable tools can be inserted therein to tighten the nuts 21 on the threaded bolts 18. As best shown in FIG. 4. the

v'uniform top and bottom sides.

grooves 22a may be tapered slightly to facilitate the insertion of the top and bottom edges of the beam sections 14 into the grooves of the fastening plates 19.

The beams 11 illustrated and described above are of the `same size and shape and provide a framework having It is often desirable to provide so-called spacer beams which are of less height than the beams 11 and do not need to withstand the same .load that the beams 11 are capable of supporting. In FIG. 1 I have shown such spacer beams 11a which include portions flush with the bottom side of the framework 10 and are capable of taking up tensile stresses at the bottom of the framework. The beams 11a include L-shaped angle members 24 having horizontal flanges 24a yand spaced upright portions 24b of less height than the web portions 12a of the U-shaped parts 12. Spacer members 25 of U-form are provided in the gaps 26 between the angle members 24, the closed ends 25a of the U-shaped members 25 being level with the flanges 24a at the bottom side of the framework 10 and the spaced arms 25h being united, Ias by welding, for example, to the upright portions 24h of the angle members 24. The beams 11a -desirably are provided with end sections 14 similar to those `employed for the beams 11, such end sections extending the full height of the framework 10 and held between the top and bottom plates 19, as seen in FIG. l. The beams 11a also are provided with reinforcement plates 15 which Iextend across the top land bottom of the parallel arm portions of the beam end sections 14 and are united thereto, as by welding. In addition to or in place of welding, the beam end sections 14 may be connected to the beams 11 and 11a by bolts, as indicated at 27 for the beams 11a.

It will be understood that the beams 11a may be employed at the top side of the framework 10 rather than at the bottom side as shown in FIG. 1. Also, a pair of beams 11a may be employed one above the other in place of the beams 11 of full height and formed of the U-shaped parts 12. Further, the beams 11 may be provided with spacer members 25', as indicated in FIG. 5, which are similar to spacer members 25 for the beams 11a.

While the beams 11 are generally of I-shape having hollow upright walls between the top and bottom flanges 12b, the beams may be formed with the U-shaped parts 12 in back-to-back relation to form a true I-beam 11, as shown in FIGS. 8, 9 and 10. In such modification, the upright parts 12a may be united to one another in any suitable manner and the flanges 12b will form continuous top and bottom flanges. The spaced arm portions 14C" of the beam end sections may be united at their top and bottom edges at 140'" to the inner surfaces of the flanges 12b at a region which does not project beyond the outer extremities of the flanges. In other respects, the beam end sections 14 will function in the same manner as the end sections 14 described above and provide beam end surfaces 14a" at an angle to one another.

It has been explained above that the fastening plates 19 are formed with grooves 22a and 22]; to receive the top and bottom edges of the beam end sections 14. It will be understood, of course, that the grooves 22a and 22h also may be formed at the inner surfaces of the plates 19 by angle members or wall parts. In order to mount the framework 1@ on the end of a pillar, for example, the fastening plates 19 may be provided with openings 28, as shown in FIG. 3, to receive bolts to facilitate such mounting. Openings 29 may also be provided in the reinforcing plates 15 and additional openings 30 and 31 may be formed in the upright portions 12a of the U-shaped parts 12 of the beams, as best shown in FIG. 3, to facilitate the fabrication of the framework 10 and the installing of the framework in the construction of a building.

In the preferred embodiment illustrated and described the beams 11 and 11a are perpendicular to one another, the beam end sections 14 in this instance having the parts 14b and 14C at right angles to one another with the beam end surfaces 14a at an angle of 45 to the parts 14b and 14e. 1f the angle between the beams to be connected together is greater and less than 90 and the beams are not perpendicular to one another, it will be evident that the beam end sections 14 can be shaped so that the angled beam end surfaces will cooperate with one another in such manner that the beams to be connected will be at the proper angle with respect to one another and the angled end surfaces of the beams will be in abutting relation in accordance with the principles of my invention.

When four .beams are to be connected together, as 'shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, the fastening plates 19 cooperate with the end sections 14 of four beams. When only three beams are to be connected together, a loose end section 14 can be employed along with the end sections of the three beams to be connected together. Similarly, with two beams are to be connected together, two loose end sections 14 can be employed along with the end sections of the two beams to be connected together.

In view of the foregoing, it will now be understood that in each of the embodiments illustrated and described the beams, such as the beams 11 in the embodiment of FIGS. l to 4, for example, are separate from one another. The separate beams, at the zones they intersect one another, are connected together to provide a building framework. Each beam includes as a part thereof a multi-sided U-shaped strap, such as the strap 14 in FIGS. l to 4, for example, having a closed end and a pair of arms extending therefrom. The U-shaped straps 14 have five sides, the sides 14h being at their closed ends. The sides 14e at the outer ends of the arms are joined to the ends of the beams 11. The sides 14a adjacent to the closed end of each strap 14 converge toward one another, each converging side 14a being at an angle of 45 with respect to the longitudinal axis of the beam of which it forms a part and the converging sides 14a of each strap being at an angle 90 with respect to one another.

When the plates 19 are drawn toward one another by the tightening nuts 21 and the bolts 18 extending through the zone or opening 17 defined by the closed sides 14b of the straps 14, as best shown in FIG. 4, forces are produced which act on the edges of the straps 14 only in directions substantially perpendicular to the plane of the framework while the converging sides 14a of adjacent straps 1d bear against one another.

Modifications of the embodiments of my invention I have described will occur to those skilled in the art, so that I desire my invention not to be limited to the particular arrangement set forth. The principles of the invention not only may be employed for a building framework which is at but also may be employed to connect together beams to produce frameworks of spherical, arched or of uneven shape. Broadly, the beams or elongated members 11, 11a and 11 described above and illustrated in the drawing comprise pairs of walls, such as the walls 12a in FIG. 7 and walls 24h in FIG. 1 and walls 12a in FIG. 10, for example, which are adjacent to and substantially parallel to one another and extend lengthwise of the members. The adjacent pairs of walls 12a, 241; and 12a in FIGS. 7, l and l0, respectively, are formed by elongated multi-sided angle parts having sides forming the adjacent walls, each wall of the pairs of walls being a component of a different angle part. The one ends of the elongated members 11, 11a and 11 closely adjacent to one another are connected by the fivesided U-shaped straps 14 and 14, the sides of the straps at the outer ends of the arms being respectively joined to the adjacent walls at the one end of the member of which it forms a part. Therefore, I intend in the claims to cover all modifications which do not depart from the spirit and scope of my invention.

I claim:

1. A building framework comprising a plurality of elongated members including first and second members in alignment with one another and a third member transverse to the rst and second members, the elongated memfbers comprising pairs of walls which are adjacent to and substantially parallel to one another and extend lengthwise of the members, the adjacent walls of the members being formed by elongated multi-sided angle parts having sides forming the adjacent walls, each wall of said pairs of walls being a component of a different angle part, the first, second and third members being separate from one another, one end of each member being closely adjacent to one end of each of the other members, the one ends of the members closely adjacent to one another each including as a part thereof a five-sided U-shaped strap having one side at its closed end and a pair of arms extending therefrom each having two sides, means connecting the adjacent walls at the ends of the members, said connecting means at the one ends of the members including the straps, the sides of each strap at the outer ends of the arms being respectively joined to the adjacent walls at the one end of the member of which it forms a part, the sides of the mms adjacent to the closed end of each strap converging toward one another, the sides of the straps at their closed ends defining a zone within the plane of the framework, fastening means including an element extending through the zone for fastening together the straps at the one ends of the members with the converging sides thereof bearing against one another, and the fastening means embodying structure for producing forces which act on the edges of the straps only in directions substantially perpendicular to the plane of the framework while the converging sides thereof bear against one another.

2. A building framework as set forth in claim 1 in which the third member is of less height than the first and second members, and the converging sides of the straps at the one ends of the first, second and third members closely adjacent to one another being of substantially the same height.

3. A building framework comprising a plurality of elonated members including first and second members in alignment with one another and a third member transverse to the rst and second members, the elongated members comprising spaced walls extending lengthwise of the members, the spaced walls of the members being formed by elongated parts which are U-shaped in transverse section, the closed ends of the U-shaped parts forming the spaced walls and the parallel arms of the parts projecting in opposite directions from the Walls and serving as flanges, one end of each member being closely adjacentv to one end of each of the other members, the one ends of the members closely adjacent to one another each having a pair of end surfaces at an angle to one another, one end surface of each member bearing against an end surface of another member transverse thereto, means connecting the walls at the one ends one ends of the members, said connecting means at the one ends of the members including structure providing the pair of end surfaces at an angle to one another, and means including an element for fastening together the one ends of the members closely adjacent to one another, the element being perpendicular to the plane of the framework at a region disposed within the end surfaces at the one ends of the members.

4. A building framework as set forth in claim 3 in which the U-shaped parts are formed of sheet metal.

5. A building framework comprising a plurality of elongated members including rst and second members in alignment with one another and a third member transverse to the iirst and second members, the elongated members comprising spaced walls extending lengthwise of the members, the spaced walls of the members being formed by elongated elements which are U-shaped in transverse section, the closed ends of the U-shaped elements forming the spaced walls and the parallel arms of the elements projecting in opposite directions from the walls and dening flanges, the first, second and third members being separate from one another, one end of each member being closely adjacent to one end of each of the -other members, the one ends of the members closely adjacent to one another each including as a part thereof a five-sided U-shaped strap having one side at its closed end and a pair of arms extending therefrom each having two sides, means connecting the spaced walls at the ends of the members, said connecting means at the one ends of the members including the straps, the sides of each strap -at the outer ends of the arms being respectively joined to the spaced walls at the one end of the member of which it forms a part, the sides `of the arms adjacent to the closed end of each strap converging toward one another, the sides of the straps at their closed ends defining a zone within the plane of the framework, fastening means including an element extending through the Zone for fastening together the straps at the one ends of the members with the converging sides thereof bearing lagainst one another, and the fastening means embodying structure for producing forces which act on the edges of the straps only in directions substantially perpendicular to the plane of the framework while the converging sides thereof bear against one another.

6. A building framework as set forth in claim in which the U-shaped elements are formed of sheet metal.

7. A building framework comprising a plurality of elongated members including first and second members in alignment with one another and a third member transverse to the first and second members, the elongated members comprising walls 'extending lengthwise of the members, the walls forming the webs of elongated structure which is of I-shape in section, the first, second and third members being separate from one another, one end of each member being closely adjacent t-o one end of each of the other members, the one ends of the members closely adjacent to one another each including as a part thereof a five-sided U-shaped strap having one side at its closed end and a pair of arms extending therefrom each having two sides, the sides of each strap at the outer ends of its arms being joined to the elongated structure at the one end of the member of which it forms a part, the sides of the arms adjacent to the closed end of each strap converging toward one another, the sides of the straps at their closed ends defining a Zone within the plane of the framework, fastening means including an element extending through the zone for fastening together the straps at the one ends of the members with the converging sides thereof bearing against one another, and the fastening means embodying structure for producing forces which act on the edges of the straps only in directions substantially perpendicular to the plane of the framework while the converging sides thereof bear against one another.

8. A building framework comprising a plurality of elongated members including first and second members in alignment with one another and a third member transverse to the first and `second members, the elongated members comprising pairs of Walls which are adjacent to and substantially parallel to one another and extend lengthwise of the members, the adjacent walls of the members being formed by elongated multi-sided angle parts having sides forming the adjacent walls, each wall of said pairs of walls being a component of a different angle part, the first, second and third members being separate from one another, one end of each member being closely adjacent to one end of each of the other members, the one ends of the members closely adjacent to one another each including as .a part thereof -a five-sided U- shaped strap having one side at its closed end and a pair of arms extending therefrom each having two sides, means connecting the adjacent walls at the ends of the members, said connecting means at the one ends of the members including the straps, the sides of each strap at the outer ends of the arms being respectively joined to the adjacent walls at the one end of the member of which it forms a part, the sides of the arms adjacent to the closed end `of each strap converging toward one another, the sides of the straps at their closed ends d-efining a Zone within the plane of the framework, a pair of plates at opposing sides 4of the framework at the immediate vicinity of the zone, and fastening means including the plates and lan element extending through the zone for fastening together the straps at the one ends of the members with the converging sides thereof bearing against one another, the opposing plates yof the fastening means functioning to produce forces which act on the edges of the straps only in directions substantially perpendicular to the plane of the framework while the converging sides thereof bear against one another.

9. A building framework comprising a plurality of elongated members including first and second members in alignment with one another and a third member transverse to the first and second members, the elongated members comprising pairs of walls which are adjacent to and substantially parallel to one another and extend lengthwise of the members, the adjacent walls of the members being formed by elongated multi-sided angle parts having sides forming the adjacent walls, each wall of said pairs of walls being a component of a different angle part, the first, second and third members being separate from one end of each member being closely adjacent to one end of each of the other members, the one ends -of the members closely adjacent to one another each including as a part thereof a five-sided U-shaped strap having one side at its closed end and a pair of arms exten-ding therefrom each having two sides, means connecting the adjacent walls at the ends of the members, sai-d connecting means at the Ione ends of the members including the straps, the sides of each strap at the outer ends of the arms being respectively joined to the adjacent walls at the one end of the member of which it forms a part, the sides of the arms adjacent to the closed end of each strap converging toward one another, the sides of the Istraps at their closed ends defining a zone within th plane of the framework, a pair of apertured plates at opposing sides 4of the framework at the immediate vicinity of the zone, the plates being disposed against and in abutting relation with the opposing edges of' the straps, and fastening means including an element extending through the Zone and the apertures in the plates for fastening together the straps at the one end-s of the members With the converging sides thereof bearing against one another, the opposing plates of the fastening means functioning to produce forces which act on the edges of the straps only in directions substantially perpendicular to the plane of the framework while the converging sides thereof bear against one another.

10. A building framework comprising a plurality of elongated members including first and second members transverse to one another, the elongated members comprising pairs of walls which are adjacent to and substantially parallel to one another and extend lengthwise of the members, the adjacent walls of the members being formed by elongated multi-sided angle parts having sides forming the adjacent walls, each wall of said pairs 0f walls being a component of a different angle part, the first and second members being separate from one another, one end of the first member being closely adjacent to one end of the second member, the one ends of the members closely adjacent to one another each including as a part thereof a five-sided U-shaped strap having one side at its closed end and a pair of arms extending therefrom each having two sides, means connecting the adjacent walls at the ends of the members, said connecting means at the one ends of the members including the straps, the sides of each strap at the outer ends of the arms being respectively joined to the adjacent walls at the one end of the member of which it forms a part, the sides of the arms adjacent to the closed end of each strap converging toward one another, the sides of the straps at their closed ends defining a zone within the plane of the framework, fastening means including an element extending through the zone for fastening together the straps at the one ends of the members with the converging sides thereof bearing against one another, and the fastening means embodying structure for producing forces which act on the edges of the straps only in directions substantially perpendicular to the plane of the framework while their converging sides bear against one another.

111. A building framework comprising a plurality of elongated members including first and second members in alignment with one another and third and fourth members in alignment with one another, the elongated members comprising pairs of Walls which are adjacent `to and substantially parallel to one another and extend lengthwise of the members, the adjacent walls of the members being formed by elongated multi-sided angle parts having sides forming the adjacent walls, each wal-1 of said pairs of Walls being a component of a different angle part, the first, second, third and fourth members being separate from one another, the first and second members being transverse to the third and fourth members, one end of each member being closely adjacent to one end of each of the other members, the one ends of the members closely adjacent t-o one another each including as a part thereof a five-sided U-shaiped strap having one side a-t its closed end and a pair of arms extending therefrom each having two sides, means connecting the adj-acent walls at the ends of the members, said connecting means at the one ends of the members including the straps, the sides of each strap at the outer ends of the arms being respectively joined :to the adjacent wa-lls at the one end of the member of which it forms a part, the

sides of the arms adjacent to the closed end of each strap converging toward one another, the sides of the straps at their closed ends defining a zone within .the plane of the framework, a pair of plates at opposing sides of the framework at the immediate vicinity of the zone, and fastening means including the plates and an ele-ment extending through the zone for fastening together the straps at the one ends of the members with the converging sides thereof bearing against one another, the opposing plates of the fastening means functioning to produce force-s which act on the edges of the straps only in directions substantially perpendicular to .the plane of the framework While the converging sides thereof bear against one another.

12. A building framework as set for-th in claim 11 in which the surfaces of the plates facing the interior of the framework are formed with grooves each of which receives and holds the abutting edges of a pair of the converging sides of the straps which bear against one another.

13. A building framework as .set forth in claim 12 comprising means including the element for drawing the plates toward one another.

14. A building framework as set fort-h in claim 13 in which the surfaces of Ithe plates facing the interior of the framework are also formed with grooves each of which receives and holds the edge of one of the sides of the straps at the c-losed end thereof, the plates being apertured and having recesses at their outer faces at the apertures, the element comprising a bolt which includes a bead at one end and is threaded at its yopposite end, the means for drawing the plate-s toward one another including the bolt and a nut in threaded engagement with the threaded end thereof, the nut and the bead of the bolt being disposed in the recesses of the plates and substantial-ly flush with the -outer faces thereof, the height of the portions of the straps against which the plates bear being 'shorter than the height o'f the elongated members whereby, when the grooves in the plates hold and receive the edges of the straps, the overall height of the plates and portions of the straps coacting therewith is substantially the same as the height of the elongated member adjacent thereto and the outer faces of the plates 10 are substantially ush with surfaces of the elongated members.

15. A building framework comprising .a plurality of elongated members including first and second members in alignment with one another and a third member perpendicular to the first and second members, the elongated members comprising pairs of walls which are adjacent to and substantially parallel to one another and extend lengthwise of the members, .the adjacent walls `of the members being formed by elongated multi-sided angle part-s having sides forming the adjacent Walls, each wall of said pairs of walls being a component of a different angle part, :the iirst, second and third members being separate from one another, one end of each member being closely adjacent to one end of each of the other members, the one ends of the members closely adjacent to one another each including as a part thereof a multisided U-shaped strap having a closed end and a pair of arms extending therefrom, means connect-ing the adjacent walls at the ends :of the members, said .connecting means at .the one ends of .the members including the straps, the outer ends of the arms of each strap being respectively joined to the adjacent walls at the one end of the member of which it forms a part, the sections of the arms of each strap removed from the outer ends .thereof defining sides which converge toward one another, the closed ends of the straps defining ia zone within the plane of the framework, fastening means including an element extending through the zone for fastening together the straps at the one ends of the members with the converging sides thereof bearing against one another, and the fastening means embodying struct-ure for producing forces which act on the edges of the straps only in directions substantially perpendicular .to the plane of the framework while the converging sides thereof bea-r against one another.-

16. A building framework as set forth in claim 15 in which the .converging side of each strap is at an acute angle of 45 with respect to the :longitudinal axis of the member of which it lforms a part and the sides of each strap converging toward one another are at an angle of with respect to one another.

17. A building framework comprising a plurality of elongated members including `first and second members in alignment with one another and third and fourth members in .a-lignment with one another, the elongated members comprising pairs of walls which are adjacent to and substantially parallel to one another and extend lengthwise of the members, the adjacent walls of the members being formed by elongated multi-sided angle parts having sides forming the adjacent walls, each wal-l of said pairs of walls being a component of a different angle part, the first, second, third and fourth members being separate from one an other, the iirst and second members being perpendicular to the third and fourth members, one end of each member being .closely adjacent to one end of cach of the other members, the one ends of the members closely adjacent .to one another each including as a .part thereof a multi-sided U-shaped strap having a closed end and a pair of arms extending therefrom, means connecting the adjacent walls at the end-s of the members, said connecting means at the one ends of the members including the straps, the outer ends of .the arms of each strap being respectively joined to the adjacent walls at the one end Iof the member of which it forms a part, the sections of the arms of each strap removed from the outer ends thereof defining sides which converge toward one another and are at an angle of 90 with respect to one another, .the closed ends :of the straps defining a zone within ythe plane of the framework, a pair of plates at opposing sides of the framework at .the immediate vicinity of the zone, and fastening means including the Iplates and an element extending through the zone for fastening together the straps at the .one ends of the members with the converging sides thereof bearing against l one another, the opposing plates of -the fastening means functioning to produce forces which act on the edges of the straps Ionly in directions substantially perpendicul-arr to the plane :off the framework while the converging sides thereof ybeen. l21 grainst one ranorther.

Referenees Cited by the Examiner UNITED STATES PATENTS 2,035,488 3/36 McArthur 189--36 12,607,450 s/52 Horowitz 189-36 2,725,126 11/5'5 Ely issss 2,725,127 11/55 Barret-t et `al. 189-'88 y FOREIGN PATENTS 722,310 7/42 Germany.

FRANK L. ABBOmT, Primary Examiner.

JOEL T. REZNEK, RICHARD W. COOKE,V JACOB L. NACKENOFF, Examiners. 

1. A BUILDING FRAMEWORK COMPRISING A PLURALITY OF ELONGATED MEMBERS INCLUDING FIRST AND SECOND MEMBERS IN ALIGNMENT WITH ONE ANOTHER AND A THIRD MEMBER TRANSVERSE TO THE FIRST AND SECOND MEMBERS, THE ELONGATED MEMBERS COMPRISING PAIRS OF WALLS WHICH ARE ADJACENT TO AND SUBSTANTIALLY PARALLEL TO ONE ANOTHER AND EXTEND LENGTH WISE TO THE MEMBERS, THE ADJACENT WALLS OF THE MEMBERS BEING FORMED BY ELONGATED MULTI-SIDED ANGLE PARTS HAVING SIDES FORMING THE ADJACENT WALLS, EACH WALL OF SAID PAIRS OF WALLS BEING A COMPONENT OF A DIFFERENT ANGLE PART, THE FIRST, SECOND AND THIRD MEMBERS BEING SEPARATE FROM ONE ANOTHER, ONE END OF EACH MEMBER BEING CLOSELY ADJACENT TO ONE END OF EACH OF THE OTHER MEMBERS, THE ONE ENDS OF THE MEMBERS CLOSELY ADJACENT TO ONE ANOTHER EACH INCLUDING AS A PART THEREOF A FIVE-SIDED U-SHAPED STRAP HAVING ONE SIDE AT ITS CLOSED END AND A PAIR OF ARMS EXTENDING THEREFROM EACH HAVING TWO SIDES, MEANS CONNECTING THE ADJACENT WALLS AT THE ENDS OF THE MEMBERS, SAID CONNECTING MEANS AT THE ONE ENDS OF THE MEMBERS INCLUDING THE STRAPS, THE SIDES OF EACH STRAP AT THE OUTER ENDS OF THE ARMS BEING RESPECTIVELY JOINED TO THE ADJACENT WALLS AT THE ONE END OF THE MEMBER OF WHICH IT FORMS A 